Device and method for retaining a laser module in an orientation suitable for testing and shipping

An assembly for retaining a laser module of the type having a solid state laser having conductive leads, an optical connector and an optical fiber extending between the laser and the optical connector, said assembly comprising:

• a baseplate having a top surface and a bottom surface;
• a spool extending upwardly from said top surface of said base plate, wherein said spool is capable of having the optical fiber wound therearound;
• a laser receptacle disposed on said top surface of said baseplate, wherein said receptacle is sized to receive the solid state laser in a first predetermined position and orientation therein, said laser receptacle including a plurality of protrusions that extend upwardly from said top surface of said baseplate and limit the lateral movement of the laser when positioned between said plurality of protrusions;
• supports extending upwardly from said top surface of said baseplate to support the conductive leads of the laser when the laser is positioned between said plurality of protrusions;
• a connector holder disposed on said top surface of said base plate for receiving and retaining the optical connector therein at a second predetermined position and orientation.

A laser module assembly, comprising:

• a laser;
• an optical fiber having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of said optical fiber is coupled to said laser;
• an optical connector coupled to said second end of said optical fiber;
• a baseplate having a top surface;
• a laser receptacle disposed on said top surface of said baseplate, wherein said laser receptacle is sized to receive said laser;
• said baseplate having an aperture disposed therethrough below said laser receptacle;
• a connector receptacle disposed on said top surface of said baseplate wherein said connector receptacle is sized to receive said optical connector;
• and
• a connector receptacle disposed on said top surface of said baseplate wherein said connector receptacle is sized to receive said optical connector;
• and
• a spool extending upwardly from said top surface of said baseplate, wherein said optical fiber is wound around said spool while traveling between said laser and said optical connector.

A method of retaining a laser module in a set orientation, wherein the laser module includes a laser, an optical connector and an optical fiber that extends between the laser and the optical connector, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a support assembly containing a laser receptable, a connector receptacle and a spool;
• winding said optical fiber around said spool;
• attaching said spool to said support assembly;
• placing said laser in said laser receptacle;
• placing said optical connector in said connector receptable, and
• lifting said laser while within said laser receptable with respect to said support assembly to carry out testing of said laser.

An assembly for retaining a laser module of the type having a solid state laser, an optical connector and an optical fiber extending between the laser and the optical connector, said assembly comprising:

• a baseplate having a top surface and a bottom surface;
• a spool extending upwardly from said top surface of said base plate, wherein said spool is capable of having the optical fiber wound therearound, said spool being selectively attachable and removable from said baseplate;
• a hub structure extending upwardly from said top surface of said baseplate, wherein said hub structure passes into said spool when said spool is attached to said baseplate;
• a laser receptacle disposed on said top surface of said baseplate, wherein said receptacle is sized to receive the solid state laser in a first predetermined position and orientation therein;
• a connector holder disposed on said top surface of said base plate for receiving and retaining the optical connector therein at a second predetermined position and orientation.